9 Day Canyons & Deserts

Project Description

Tour Description

Discover Namibia’s four deserts in the south of the country. The undulating and vegetated dunes of the Kalahari Desert; the rocky plains and majestic Fish River Canyon of the succulent Karoo; the majestic star dunes and surreal vlei’s of the Namib Desert. Interspersed with game drives and fun, this tour provides unequalled landscapes.

Itinerary

Leaving Windhoek, we travel into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is avast semi desert of wind-blown sand held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub making it the largest continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many therefor “thirstland” is a fitting description. Lacking permanent surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live except for those who have adapted to not only survive but flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the “Soul of the World”, an emotive description for this area! With its deep red sand dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia’s and shrubs, it is still home to a surprising large amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the dunes and the wildlife and plants, in this desert environment.

We continue south through expansive rocky plains, visiting the unique Quiver tree forest. Nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked in a mysterious way, the area is also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”. We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. We can optionally explore the area on foot or on a guided nature drive in the later afternoon.

Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and it is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine that measures in total about 160 km long and up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past. We continue our journey along the scenic Mountain range along the Orange River, which forms the natural border to South Africa, and through the Ai/-Ais/ Richtersveld Transfrontier Park towards Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz we stop at Garub to encounter the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert.

Our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once a cosmopolitan center, a town built to last … until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past. We will also visit Diaz Point and explore the coastal town of Lüderitz itself.

After an early breakfast we travel north through the pre-Namib to our lodge in the Namib Desert. This is the gateway to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei, with some of the highest sand dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the pool, or taking part in optional activities offered at our lodge.

This morning demands an early start. The first rays of sunrise paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this awesome landscape on film. You will be mesmerized by the surreal Deadvlei, surrounded by the highest dunes and Sossusvlei, where the mostly dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst majestic dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. Thereafter we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert.

After breakfast we travel via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Moon Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. In Walvis Bay we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of the African flamingos feed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups. Having arrived in Swakopmund, the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a very popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa. For the international guest, Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African time, a laid back attitude with adrenalin activities, misty mornings and desert heat. It is colourful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is fun.

Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the “playground of Namibia”, it has numerous activities ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town whilst enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café’s. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into its own personality by the vibrant use of color and the bohemian lifestyle.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Unabridged Birth Certificate – applies to ALL children under 18 years of age.
Effective 1 June 2015, South African Authorities require that all children, under the age of 18, travelling to / from South Africa, be in possession of their original unabridged birth certificate reflecting both parents full names and surname. Children travelling with only one parent or other person or where one parent or both parents are deceased, must be in possession of an affidavit from the remaining parent/s or guardian, permitting the child to travel or copy of the deceased person’s death certificate when applicable.
Please view our blog post for updated information.

Where is the pick-up/drop-off location?
You will be collected from your hotel in Windhoek.

Is this a private or scheduled tour?
This is a scheduled tour. You will stay in private upmarket lodges or hotels.

How many people will attend this tour?
This tour requires a minimum of 2 and allows a maximum of 6.

When does this tour start?
On selected Saturdays.

What kind of transport do you use?
Depending on how many people you’re travelling with a luxury sedan, SUV or minivan.

How do I secure my booking?
We require full payment 60 days prior. Please contact us to check availability, and visit the payments page on our website here to make a secure online payment. You can pay with either credit card or bank transfer using the following payment reference: The name of your tour/safari – Your Name

Will we have a guide from the start?
Yes, you will have a guide from the moment you’re picked up until the moment you’re dropped off.

What kind of clothing do I need to bring?
During winter (May – August), make sure you bring a jacket and a cap for early morning game drives, as it can get quite cold. Always bring some light clothes as well, as it can get quite hot when the sun shines, even during winter. Please read our blog post below to learn what exactly to bring on a safari.